Name/Title
Miniature Sad IronEntry/Object ID
2025.5.37Description
Item is a miniature sad iron made out of cast iron. The base of the iron, measuring about 2.5 inches in length and 1.5 in width, is made of solid metal, making it heavy despite its size. The arced handle has a row of circular indentations along each side. Sad irons gained their name from the Old English word for "solid" or "heavy," as they were made of a full piece of metal. They had to be heated on the stove since they were used before the invention of electric irons. An iron of this small size likely wasn't used for pressing clothes: salesmen used to carry around models like these to showcase the quality of their products. This piece is likely from the late 1800s and has a thin layer of rust.Collection
Permanent CollectionLexicon
Nomenclature 4.0
Nomenclature Secondary Object Term
SadironNomenclature Primary Object Term
IronNomenclature Sub-Class
Laundry EquipmentNomenclature Class
Maintenance T&ENomenclature Category
Category 05: Tools & Equipment for Science & Technology